GRAMBLING - Grambling players say they are ending their boycott after speaking with former coach Doug Williams, who advised them to, "Go out there and play football."

In a statement Monday, team representative Naquan Smith said players reached out to several people, including Williams, and their ex-coach put them in contact with Baton Rouge businessman Jim Bernhard.

Smith says Bernhard told players he has their "best intentions at heart and that he would ensure we had updated facilities, but we had to agree to being back practicing Monday ... and finish the remainder of our season."

Smith says although the team will play, "We have not forgotten the situation and how we've gotten here."

Players refused to travel to Saturday's game at Jackson State, a forfeit, because of issues with university leaders.